Boilermakers
Boilermakers build, install, and repair large metal containers like boilers and tanks that hold liquids and gases in power plants, factories, and buildings. They read detailed blueprints, use advanced welding equipment including robotic welders, and work with hand and power tools to assemble these massive systems. The job requires precision and technical skills as they test systems for safety, fix leaks, and ensure everything works perfectly. Many boilermakers work in teams and travel to different job sites, combining hands-on craftsmanship with modern technology.
Did you know?
Boilermakers face significant safety risks and physical challenges working with heavy equipment, high temperatures, and hazardous materials in confined spaces.
At a glance
Typical average pay
$75,700 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top skill
Operations Monitoring
Things to consider
Apprenticeship Training Requirements
Most boilermakers complete a 4-year apprenticeship program combining classroom instruction with on-the-job training, which is the standard pathway in the American trades.
Industry Demand and Job Stability
Employment opportunities are closely tied to the health of American manufacturing, power generation, and industrial sectors, with potential for both growth and cyclical downturns.
Key responsibilities
Bell, bead with power hammers, or weld pressure vessel tube ends to ensure leakproof joints.
Lay out plate, sheet steel, or other heavy metal and locate and mark bending and cutting lines, using protractors, compasses, and drawing instruments or templates.
Position, align, and secure structural parts or related assemblies to boiler frames, tanks, or vats of pressure vessels, following blueprints.
Assemble large vessels in an on-site fabrication shop prior to installation to ensure proper fit.
Conduct pressure tests on vessels, such as boilers.